McGuireWoods has significant experience advising clients involved in the transportation industry across all major modes of transportation, including
aviation, auto, rail and maritime. Among other sectors of the transportation industry, we represent airlines, class I railroads, shippers, vessel owners,
auto and marine dealers, intermediaries and carriers, terminal operators, transportation providers and related companies. We also counsel financial
institutions, leasing companies, and other businesses in connection with domestic and international, single investor and syndicated, leveraged and
investment grade loans, leveraged and single investor leases, purchases and sales of assets, transportation contracts and similar matters.
We provide our transportation industry clients with a broad range of related services, including advice on environmental, commercial, real estate legal and
regulatory issues, employment, governmental affairs, safety regulations and performance standards. Among recent representative engagements, we handled a
$371 million syndicated secured floor plan facility for an automobile retailer and a $235 million syndicated secured credit facility for the acquisition
and financing of an automobile dealership real property for arrangers and administrative agents. In addition, we recently represented an export development
agency in a $1.4 billion lease financing of railcars, locomotives and related maintenance facilities.
The transportation industry is constantly in the sights of the plaintiff’s bar. Indeed, if a tractor-trailer is remotely involved in an accident, even when
the driver has committed no negligence, the transportation company is often sued for damages.
To support the needs of our clients in the transportation industry, McGuireWoods has developed a team of experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to
try a case to a jury. Our professionals have experience assisting clients with risk management decisions both on a case-by-case basis and as national
coordinating counsel. We believe that ingenuity and aggressive defense is the most effective and efficient response to litigation. Our trial capabilities
are drawn from our historical strength in this area and our consistent representation of clients across the United States. To help clients resolve disputes
efficiently, we also represent clients in negotiating structured settlements and in alternative dispute resolution procedures.
When clients have high exposure cases that must be efficiently and effectively managed, they call on us for quality defense. In addition to accident
claims, we regularly advise clients on matters involving labor and employment, workers compensation, compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) and
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) hiring requirements, negligent hire and retention claims, HAZMAT and environmental claims, contract disputes, and
international transactions, including laws governing the assessment of customs duties and the administration of import and export laws and regulations.
Aviation
We represent equity investors, lenders, agents, lessees and borrowers in financing transactions for corporate and commercial aircraft, including domestic
and cross border leveraged leases, synthetic leases, true leases and loans in syndicated and single investor structures. We also assist in portfolio
acquisitions and sales and 1031 like-kind exchanges. In addition, we advise parties in connection with aviation chartering, purchases and sales of
corporate aircraft, and the structuring of ownership and operation under the Federal Aviation Regulations.
Auto Dealers and Motor Vehicles
We represent financial institutions, administrative agents and auto vendors in connection with the structuring, documentation, closing and administration
of various financings for motor vehicle dealers, transportation providers and manufacturing companies. This includes services related to loans secured by,
and TRAC leases of, fleets of automobiles and tractor trailers, as well as traditional floorplan, dealership real property acquisition and asset-based
loans secured by motor vehicle retail installment sale contracts, and structured warehouse and customized sales finance programs.
Maritime and Terminal Operations
Our maritime practice services clients by providing advice on regulatory compliance, vessel documentation and financing, as well as representation in
litigation. We have handled acquistion of domestic and foreign flagged vessels, registration, regulatory, cargo, Federal Maritime Commission and Maritime
Administration issues, charter agreements, contract negotiations and dispute resolutions. We offer guidance in transactions, construction projects, risk
analysis, insurance coverage, oil pollution and environmental matters and have deep experience addressing the shipping needs identified with both brown and
blue water vessels. Our team has worked with a range of maritime industries, including terminal operators, logistics companies, vessel owners and charters.
Rail and Intermodal
We offer advice in connection with various financings and operating leases of railcars, locomotives and containers and rail portfolio transactions. We also
provide assistance with purchases and sales of various rail and intermodal equipment, including locomotives and railcars and components thereof. Our
clients include financial institutions, leasing companies, class I railroads, shipping companies and intermodal companies.